Iceland: A Hiker’s Paradise Awaits
Iceland stands as a premier destination for hiking enthusiasts. Each trail offers a journey that is as breathtaking as the landscapes it reveals. From the hauntingly beautiful trails of the north to the striking vistas in the south, Iceland’s hiking routes cater to adventurers of all levels—whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll or a grueling trek.
In light of this, we’ve curated a collection of our favorite hiking trails across the country, organized by region. Each promises an unforgettable adventure into nature’s spectacular embrace.
Where to Find the Best Trails in Iceland
The best hiking paths can be found throughout Iceland, but a few stand out: the renowned Laugavegur Trail, the stunning Reykjanes Peninsula Trails, and the mesmerizing Hveradalir Hiking Trail located in Kerlingarfjöll. Of course, the glacier hikes in Vatnajökull National Park are not to be missed. Yet, this is just the beginning, as we explore the trails from north to south.
Hiking in Northern Iceland
Our journey begins in North Iceland, where some of the country’s most dramatic and challenging hiking trails lie. Many travelers spend days traversing this remote landscape, but at Hidden Iceland, we’ve devised a way to experience the highlights in a single, unforgettable day.
With the aid of 4×4 superjeeps and local guides, we’ve condensed the spectacular multi-day Öskjuvegur route, also known as the Askja Trail, into an exhilarating adventure that culminates at the stunning Askja crater.
This region’s allure is its remoteness. Few tourists venture this far, deterred by unpredictable weather and the scarcity of shelter. However, for those willing to brave the elements, the rewards are immense. Standing on the rim of the Askja crater can feel like stepping onto another planet—a sensation not far from reality, as this terrain famously served as training grounds for NASA astronauts in the 1960s.
For safety reasons, the trail is accessible only during the summer months for typical 4×4 vehicles, so plan accordingly. In winter, consider a superjeep tour with local operators.
But the Askja Trail is merely the beginning. Northern Iceland is dotted with an array of hiking trails that showcase diverse and breathtaking landscapes. For instance, a 3-kilometer loop around the Hverfjall Crater, an ancient volcano, offers panoramic views of the stunning Lake Mývatn. And one of the true delights of hiking in Iceland? Concluding your trek with a soothing dip in a natural hot spring.
If you’re eager to immerse yourself in Icelandic culture while enjoying spectacular scenery, consider the Arctic Coast Way or the Diamond Circle. Both offer remarkable hiking opportunities, with the trails around the majestic Ásbyrgi Canyon being a highlight for many of our guests.
The beauty of these hikes lies in their flexibility. Whether you’re keen to spot seals and puffins or savor local delicacies like freshly caught Arctic char, Hidden Iceland can tailor your itinerary to ensure it aligns with your pace and interests.
Hike around the remarkable Askja Caldera
The trail around Hverfjall Crater is unforgettable
Lake Mývatn offers remarkable sights while you hike
Hiking in Iceland’s Eastfjords
In a hidden gem known as Borgarfjörður Eystri, hikers will find trails weaving between remote fjords and ancient farms, offering glimpses into Iceland’s rich cultural history. This area is also one of the best spots to observe puffins, particularly at Hafnarhólmi harbor during the summer months.
Further along in the Eastfjords, the Dyrfjöll mountain range, aptly named “mountain door,” beckons with its striking gap between two peaks, inviting hikers into a realm shrouded in folklore.
As you traverse the stunning landscape of Stórurð, where gigantic boulders sit beside the bluest waters imaginable, you might find yourself believing that anything is possible.
Our resident travel expert, Dr. Holly Spring, echoes this sentiment:
“The Eastfjords captivate me with their majestic scenery and limitless hiking opportunities, often accompanied by better weather and a sense of seclusion away from the tourist crowds.”
Book your luxury hiking trip with Hidden Iceland today, and allow us to create an itinerary that unveils sights beyond your wildest imagination.
The mountain door at Dyrfjöll is calling
The Eastfjords coastline is a wonder to walk
See the most remarkable sights at the Eastfjords
Hiking in the Golden Circle
Few countries offer the unique opportunity to explore a geothermal valley by foot, and even fewer allow you to unwind in hot springs afterward. The Golden Circle, conveniently located near Reykjavík, presents an easily accessible yet spectacular hiking option, where natural wonders meet comfort.
At Gullfoss Waterfall, an easy trail leads to stunning viewpoints that showcase postcard-perfect vistas from above, while a closer approach lets you feel the waterfall’s invigorating mist. Meanwhile, the Haukadalur geothermal valley features maintained trails that guide you past Geysir and Strokkur, two of Iceland’s most famous geothermal features. This trail is accessible year-round and varies in difficulty, depending on how far you’d like to roam.
However, for many, the trails winding through Þingvellir National Park shine as the day’s highlight. Here, you can literally walk between the tectonic plates that shape our planet. This area, rich in history and stunning scenery, was also a backdrop for several seasons of “Game of Thrones.”
The rushing water at Gullfoss is a treat for the senses
The powerful Strokkur Geysir
Gullfoss offers wonderful views atop a waterfall
Hiking Along the South Coast
The south coast of Iceland features many enchanting hiking trails included in our Hidden Escapes: Tailor-Made Iceland Hiking Retreat. The short loop around Seljalandsfoss is a marvel to behold from afar, but it’s even more magical up close, where the waterfall cascades down with dazzling brilliance.
This loop allows you to surround yourself with the beauty of cascading water, and in summer, you can even walk behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall—a truly magical experience, akin to stepping behind a curtain at a grand performance.
The Skógafoss Waterfall Way offers breathtaking views of Iceland’s diverse landscapes, connecting to the challenging Fimmvörðuháls trail at its summit. This 25-kilometer trek stretches from Eyjafjallajökull to Þórsmörk in the Southern Highlands, boasting some of Iceland’s most dramatic scenery. If you’re not looking for a lengthy hike, the first kilometer allows you to track the water’s flow at Skógafoss, unveiling several smaller waterfalls before you head back down to sea level.
No trip would be complete without mentioning the incredible glacier hikes found in the southeast, particularly within Vatnajökull National Park. The experience of walking on a glacier is truly awe-inspiring. Coupled with a visit to the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, your adventure is sure to leave lasting memories. Hikes can be customized to suit your preference, whether you seek a leisurely stroll or an adrenaline-pumping ice climbing challenge.
A hike to Falljökull Glacier.
Incredible hiking opportunities at Þórsmörk
Walk around the Seljalandsfoss waterfall
Hiking in the Southern Highlands
Iceland’s Southern Highlands are home to an unmatched variety of hiking trails. For those seeking a true adventure, the famed four-day, 55-kilometer Laugavegur Trail presents an extraordinary experience, traversing glaciers, forests, hot springs, and lava fields—each day revealing a new world.
This renowned trek is celebrated for its stunning scenery and remote allure. At Hidden Iceland, we offer guests the chance to explore the best of this trail while enjoying our signature luxury experience. We provide day trips to Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, which bookend the Laugavegur trail, each showcasing the most breathtaking highlights for our guests, all while ensuring a restful night at a luxury lodge.
Among these highlights is Þórsmörk, known as the ‘Valley of Thor.’ Accessing it requires crossing several rivers, some of which may prove challenging even for capable 4×4 vehicles. Hence, we recommend securing a local guide to help navigate these waters. Once there, you’ll find birch forests, glacial rivers, and stunning moss-covered gorges, all coming together in a sanctuary that marries lush greenery with rugged landscapes. Travel expert Anna Maria Pizzinini captures this spirit perfectly:
“Þórsmörk holds a special place in my heart. The tranquility, vibrant colors, and the thrill of reaching it through river crossings or glacier hiking makes it an unmatched experience.”
A hike in Kerlingarfjöll promises even greater seclusion and breathtaking views of snow-draped mountains and steaming geothermal areas. Few trails offer the unique sights presented by the striking rhyolite hills in vibrant reds and oranges, alongside rivers of crystalline blue.
Top of the world in the Southern Highlands
The remarkable walk at Kerlingarfjöll
Hiking a waterfall at Þakgil
Finally, after a day of exploration, you can recharge at the Highland Base Hotel, where comfort meets luxury in a setting that feels both cozy and serene. Nestled near some of Iceland’s wonders and equipped with its own geothermal baths, the Highland Base is a partner we cherish for many of our trips.
In the south, our Hiker’s Paradise trip features Þakgil, a hidden gem for hikers. This off-the-beaten-path destination offers lush valleys set against jagged black volcanic mountains, resulting in striking contrasts and unforgettable views.
Þakgil is a secluded sanctuary near iconic landmarks like the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the black sand beaches of Vík. It’s a rare place that feels wonderfully hidden yet remains surprisingly accessible—perfect for those yearning for a hiking experience that connects them intimately with nature, away from the crowds.
At Hidden Iceland, we take pride in sharing locations like Þakgil with our guests, as they beautifully encapsulate what our brand represents: an opportunity to witness some of the most breathtaking and remote landscapes on earth.
For an extraordinary hiking adventure in Iceland, replete with stunning views and luxurious accommodations, let Hidden Iceland craft an itinerary tailored to your desires. Contact us today to embark on your luxury hiking journey.
